Orléans West-Innes city councillor Laura Dudas has been busy the last few weeks delivering Gem Awards to some of the shining businesses and organizations in her ward.
Dudas started the award program in 2021 to give residents the chance to nominate their favourite business or organization for making an effort to be an integral part of the community they serve.
“The nominations are not just chosen for excelling at a particular business or service,” explains Dudas’ special assistant Chelsey Wynne. “Those who are nominated, and win, shine because they have made themselves integral to the fabric of our community, through excellent customer service, outreach and a deep love for the community they serve.”
This year’s recipients include Marsh’s YIG for Best Retail Business – Food, Louis Pizza Express as Best Restaurant, and the Ottawa Compassion Centre Food Bank for Best Community Service Organization.
Other recipients include the Zunzun Reading Community/Little Readers Library for Best Arts or Cultural Organization, Almighty Cheese for Best New Business, The Bookkeeping Bureau for Best Professional Service Business, the Rotary Club of Orléans for Best Community Social Organization, Ottawa Easy Wheels for Best Personal Service Business, and the book Market for Best Retail Business – Merchandise.
This is the sixth year of Councillor Dudas’ coveted Gem Awards.
Originally started during the pandemic as a way to recognize local businesses and organizations operating in difficult times, the Gem Awards have grown to recognize local businesses and organizations that truly make the community sparkle.
“Supporting local businesses and service organizations has always mattered to me, as they are at the heart of Orléans,” says Coun. Dudas. “The Gems are an opportunity to celebrate their dedication and the meaning-ful impact they have on people’s lives through excellent customer service. It continues to be my privilege to champion their success.”
The special element of the Gems Awards is that all nominations come directly from the community. Any member of the public can nominate their favourite small business or community organization.
The nominations are not just chosen for excelling at a particular business or service. Those that are nominated, and win, shine because they have made themselves integral to the fabric of the community they serve.
TRIVIA NIGHT from 7:30 p.m. every Monday night at the Royal Oak Pub Orléans. Free to play. Prizes for the winning team! The Royal Oak Pub is located at 1981 St. Joseph Blvd. near Jeanne d’Arc. For more info visit 
SING-ALONG MUSIC NIGHT from 7:30 p.m. 9 p.m. at the Orléans Brewing Company, 4380 Innes Rd. next to the McDonalds. Sing along to hits from the '70s to today and enjoy themed nights like “80's One-Hit Wonders” or "Hairspray Rock Bands". It's all about fun, music, and community. Free to play.
TRIVIA NIGHT from 6:30 p.m. at the Stray Dog Brewing Company. Exercise your grey matter before it turns to mush over the holidays. Reservations are a must to secure your spot. Send your team name and number of people to info@straydogbrewing.ca. The Stray Dog Brewing Company is located at 501 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park.
Y2K DANCE from 7 p.m. at the Orléans Legion, 800 Taylor Creek Dr. in the Taylor Creek Business Park. Throw back vibes. Iconic hits. God with a variety of local vendors ready to showcase their freshest produce, handmade goods.
CUMBERLAND FARMERS’ MARKET from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the R.J. Kennedy Arena in Cumberland Village with a variety of local farmers and vendors ready to showcase their freshest produce, handmade goods, and unique finds! FREE ADMISSION
